The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) has compiled a one-stop database for information on applying for EQIP Organic Initiative grants, available here.
EQIP – the Environmental Quality Incentives Program – supports voluntary conservation programs for farmers and ranchers. It offers financial and technical assistance to eligible participants to install or implement structural or management practices on agricultural land.
The Organic Initiative is for applicants who are certified organic producers, transitioning to organic, or sell less than $5,000 in organic produce annually. It is intended for implementing conservation practices that help fulfill requirements in an Organic System Plan, such as:
- Developing a conservation plan or a transition to organic production plan
- Establishing boundaries and buffer zones
- Improving soil quality and organic matter while minimizing erosion
- Improving pest management
- Developing a grazing plan and improving grazing resources
- Improving waste utilization, composting, and irrigation efficiency
The OFRF database includes application deadlines for year 2012 – many deadlines have already passed, so check today for your state.